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Dingle to Derry, Texas to Berlin, New York to London - over the last 16 years, Other Voices, the internationally acclaimed music television series and arts festival, has ploughed a rich and diverse musical furrow, seeding song, story, banter and debate in towns and cities across the globe. This October 26th to 28th, 2017, Other Voices Belfast bursts into life, a three-day gathering of music, creativity and technology, a warm invitation from one of the world’s greatest musical cities, to one of Ireland’s most iconic musical gatherings, an opportunity for Other Voices to add a unique Kerry-born essence, to the proud and compelling contemporary voice of Belfast.

Other Voices have joined forces with Digital DNA, the 174 Trust and Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts to bring this dynamic event to Belfast, with the support and investment of Belfast City Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Creative Ireland, BBC Northern Ireland, RTÉ and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “As we prepare to submit our bid for European Capital of Culture 2023, the spotlight is being shone on the city’s thriving culture and arts scene, and I’m delighted that Belfast City Council is helping to bring Other Voices to Belfast for the first time. I hope it will be a precursor for more exciting events for the city.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney T.D., said: “Culture and creativity are a powerful force for reconciliation and I'm really pleased that my Department's Reconciliation Fund has supported this exciting event which offers people in Belfast and beyond an opportunity to come together and enjoy a unique shared experience.’’

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D., said: “The Creative Ireland Programme, which I launched last year, is about placing culture at the centre of our lives. Creative Ireland sends a very important message to audiences at home and abroad about how we value our culture and the wealth of creativity of our children, communities and artists. Other Voices provides a unique opportunity for the creation of a range of dynamic and exciting conversations and creative collaborations between artists, audiences and innovators.”

On Thursday 26th and Friday 27th October, schools, youth and community organisations from across Belfast will come together to take part in four events as part of the Digital DNA Creative Quarter, showcasing the power of community through the mediums of music and technology. These innovative, inclusive events will feature speakers and workshops with some of the biggest names in digital, technology and the creative industries including Catalyst Inc., Techies in Residence and Speed Motion.

That same evening, Saturday October 28th, soaring vocals and earworm choruses will echo around the walls of The Duncairn’s School Hall, where The Other Voices Stage will be in full swing. A feast for the senses, this potent evening of live music showcasing the best in new musical talent, will feature sets from Grammy shortlisted trad giants Beoga, lo-fi acoustic gems from Portadown’s Jealous of the Birds, Kildare pop-rock, arena touring duo Picture This, the spine-tingling atmospheric folk of Hampshire born, Donegal bred Rosie Carney and Derry purveyors of punk Touts. The show will be recorded by Other Voices for broadcast on both BBC and RTE television.

Other additions to the line-up will be announced shortly. Tickets for The Other Voices Stage will only be available through local media and online competitions, details of which will be announced shortly on www.othervoices.ie and at @OtherVoices on Facebook and @OtherVoicesLive on Twitter and Instagram.